Designer Spotlight: Haven by Julie Turjoman

For nearly two decades, Julie Turjoman was a knitter who often “tweaked” patterns to meet her personal preferences. About 7 years ago, Julie realized her tweaks were turning more into redesigns that looked nothing like the originals. Now she’s publishing her own patterns, including a new e-book called “Knits that Breathe.”

Haven is one of 12 beautiful designs featured in “Knits that Breathe.” The oversized sweater is knit in Berroco Linsey and features an off-center, zig-zag lace panel on both the front and back. The pattern is worked flat in two pieces, which are then seamed, leaving a slit on either side of the hem. With it’s elegant and flowing style, Haven can be worn as a tunic, a poncho or even a beach cover up!

Why did you choose Berroco Linsey for your project?

My research into lightweight, plant-based fibers led me to Linsey, which is a blend of cotton and linen. This blend gives Linsey such a lovely hand, with just enough crispness from the linen to show off stitch definition, but plenty of next-to-the-skin softness from the cotton.

How did you come up with the design?

Haven was a kind of mind-meld between yarn and design concept. The zig-zag lace pattern is one I’ve had in my “must use this someday” file, so when the yarn arrived I knew I’d found the perfect match. As I sketched and swatched, my only real debate was whether or not to center the lace motif – clearly the off-center placement was the winner.

What do you like best about knitting?

Knitting always takes me to my “happy place,” where I quickly become so engrossed in the design elements that I forget – at least temporarily – anything stressful going on in my life. It’s terrific for me to be able to now share my designs with other knitters in “Knits That Breathe.”

Do you have a cool design you want to share?  Or did you recently finish a project with Berroco yarn?  You can email Ashley: apalumbo@berroco.com or post it to the Berroco Lovers forum in Ravelry.